Thursday, 29 September 2011

Tim Griffin had a White Rumped Sandpiper and two Curlew Sandpipers at Barna Pier yesterday. Went there this evening around 6 perfect light as I was driving out then the clouds move in, in more ways then one. Arrived just as the sun slip in behind the clouds and seen two white rumps in flight, this was looking good for a new tick and my first White Rumped Sandpiper. Poor photos taken and it look ok but I was unsure TG had a look it seemed good for the WRS. On closer inspection with the help of Aonghus O'Donaill he confirmed it was a Curlew Sandpiper. Still on that learning curve and no tick today.

Monday, 12 September 2011

Wind howling outside due to Ex hurricane Katia. So a few shots from yesterday and last week. Usual excuse about quality due to wind and very poor light. Spent a few hours on Saturday where I heard the Corncrake. The land owner was cutting the vegetation. I say vegetation because there was such a mix of stuff growing I doubt it has any value or worth to cattle. How the tractor did didn't go up to its axles is a wonder as the ground was so wet and soft. No sign of the Crakes. Hopefully next year the Corncrake will returns.

Saturday, 3 September 2011

Out at Anglingham today and very few birds about, this usual means my attention gets drawn toward our other winged friends. Although it is getting late in the year for this activity, there was a surprising amount about. Was surprised to see a Brown Hairstreak at Anglingham and this is only the second time for me to see this species in Galway. The other location was in Rusheen Bay along the path to BirdWatch Galways hide. Very obliging Treecreeper and Goldcrest at Menlo Cemetery.

Thursday, 1 September 2011

A little chill in the air today signaling the the first day of autumn and winter just around the corner. The usual fare at Nimmo's Pier, with a Tufted Duck associating with Mallard. This I assume is the same duck which was hanging around Nimmo's this time last year. Two almost resident Ring-billed Gulls at the slipway. I had a two Bar-tailed Godwits fighting in the view finder and the camera would not fire, miss a fantastic shot.